The Wine Pod Luke Flunder

Welcome to Series Two of our podcast!
Welcome to the Second Series of The Wine Pod 'For The Love of Wine':
Join us on a journey through our unique approach to wine, enriching your understanding and enjoyment along the way.
In our latest episode, Will and I explain how to analyse and enjoy the aftermath!
Will’s wine of the week:
Le Marquis de Calon Ségur 2019
Luke’s thought of the week:
The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work.
- Richard Bach

References:
Export Spain
Sueño Megala Red 2020

Monastrell - grape variety
Gevrey-Chambertin - famous French wine producer
As always please like, share and comment.
Stay Corked - Luke & Will


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeflunder.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Series Two of our podcast!
Welcome to the Second Series of The Wine Pod 'For The Love of Wine':
Join us on a journey through our unique approach to wine, enriching your understanding and enjoyment along the way.
In our latest episode, Will and I explain how we smell and taste the chosen wine.
Will’s wine of the week:
Flor de Muga Rosado, Rioja, Spain
Luke’s thought of the week:
“in vino veritas” —- in wine there is truth

References:
WSET exams
Provence - region in France
Whispering Angel
Bandol - region in France
Flor de Muga Rosado
Peyrassol Rosé
WSET systematic - wine-tasting sheet
As always please like, share and comment.
Stay Corked - Luke & Will


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeflunder.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Series Two of our podcast!
Welcome to the Second Series of The Wine Pod 'For The Love of Wine':
Join us on a journey through our unique approach to wine, enriching your understanding and enjoyment along the way.
In our latest episode, Will and I explain how we smell and taste the chosen wine.
Will’s wine of the week:
Franciacorta - an Italian Sparkling Wine.
Try - Franciacorta Brut Borgo Imperiale DOCG
Luke’s thought of the week:
“Write hard and clear about what hurts” - Ernest Hemingway

References:
WSET systematic wine-tasting
Provence Rosé - region in France
Chinese wine - wine growing regions in China
Franciacorta - Italian Sparkling Wine
As always please like, share and comment.
Stay Corked - Luke & Will


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeflunder.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Series Two of our podcast!
Welcome to the Second Series of The Wine Pod 'For The Love of Wine':
Join us on a journey through our unique approach to wine, enriching your understanding and enjoyment along the way.
In our latest episode, we delve into the patch between storing and opening our wine.
To complement the podcast, here are our expert tips on decanting:
The groundwork:
* Know When to Decant: Decanting is beneficial for certain types of wine, particularly older red wines with sediment or full-bodied young wines that can benefit from aeration. Lighter-bodied wines and delicate whites generally don't require decanting but this shouldn’t stop you.
* Prepare the Decanter: Ensure that the decanter is clean and free of any odours or residues that could affect the wine's flavour. Rinse the decanter with clean water before use and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
* Position the Bottle: Before decanting, stand the wine bottle upright for several hours or overnight if it has sediment. This allows the sediment to settle at the bottom of the bottle, making it easier to separate from the wine during decanting.
* Decant with Care: Pour the wine slowly and steadily into the decanter, holding the bottle steadily to avoid disturbing any sediment that may have settled. Use a gentle, controlled motion to prevent splashing and oxidation.
* Watch for Sediment: When decanting older red wines, pour slowly and watch for sediment as you near the end of the bottle. Stop pouring before the sediment reaches the neck of the bottle, leaving it behind to ensure a clear pour.
* Aerate as Needed: Depending on the wine and your preference, you can choose to aerate the wine further by swirling it gently in the decanter or by allowing it to sit for a period before serving. Aeration can help soften tannins and enhance aromas and flavours.
* Serve at the Right Temperature: Once decanted, serve the wine at the appropriate temperature for its style. Red wines are typically served at slightly cooler than room temperature, while whites and sparkling wines are served chilled or just above fridge temperature at around 10 - 14 degrees.
Here is all the info about the episode:
Will’s wine of the week:
DeMorgenzon ‘Reserve’ Chenin Blanc 2020/21, South Africa
Luke’s thought of the week:
It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

References:
Masi 'Costasera' Amarone della Valpolicella.
2010 Brunello di Montalcino, Il Poggione, Tuscany, Italy - whats in our glass.
Double decanting.
Decanter with Aerator.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles - movie.
Bandol Rosé - apellation in Provence France.
Lambrusco - style of sparkling wine.
As always please like, share and comment.
Stay Corked - Luke & Will


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeflunder.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Second Series of The Wine Pod 'For The Love of Wine':
Join us on a journey through our unique approach to wine, enriching your understanding and enjoyment along the way.
In our latest episode, we delve into the post-purchase process, exploring everything from quantities to storage techniques.
To complement the podcast, we're excited to share our expert tips on storage right here:
* Decide what suits your preferences when choosing how many bottles to buy.
* Assess Your Storage Space: Begin by assessing the storage space available in your wine cellar, wine refrigerator, or designated storage area. Measure the dimensions of the space and take note of any shelving or racks available for wine storage.
* Determine Bottle Capacity: Calculate the maximum number of bottles your storage space can hold based on its dimensions and the type of shelving or racks installed. Consider factors such as bottle size (standard 750ml bottles or larger formats), spacing between bottles and any additional storage features like cubbies or compartments.
* Consider Usage Patterns: Evaluate your wine consumption habits and how quickly you typically go through bottles of wine. If you're a casual wine drinker who enjoys wine occasionally, you may not need as much storage capacity compared to someone who collects wine or frequently entertains guests.
* Account for Ageing and Collection Growth: Factor in the ageing potential of certain wines and your desire to build a collection over time. Allow for additional storage space to accommodate ageing wines and future acquisitions. Consider investing in modular storage solutions that can be expanded as your collection grows.
* Plan for Special Occasions: Reserve space for special occasions or events where you may need to stock up on extra bottles of wine. Having a buffer of additional storage capacity ensures you're prepared for unexpected guests or impromptu celebrations.
* Rotate Stock Regularly: To prevent overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation around your wine bottles, practise regular inventory management and rotation to really geek it up. Keep track of the wines in your collection and consume them before they reach their peak maturity to make room for newer bottles.

* Decide where best to store in the house.
* Temperature Control: Keep your wine in a cool, consistent environment, ideally between 7-18°C (45-65°F). Avoid areas prone to rapid temperature changes, such as near heaters, stoves, or in direct sunlight.
* Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of around 60-70%. This prevents corks from drying out, which can lead to oxidation and spoilage. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier or storing wine bottles on their sides to keep the corks moist.
* Darkness: Light, especially UV rays, can degrade wine and cause it to develop off-flavours. Store your wine in a dark or dimly lit area to protect it from light exposure. If your storage area has windows, consider covering them or using UV-filtering window treatments.
* Stable Environment: Minimise vibrations and movement around your wine storage area. Vibrations can disturb the sediment in the bottle and negatively impact the ageing process. Choose a location away from appliances like washing machines or mechanical systems.
* Horizontal Storage: Store wine bottles on their sides to keep the cork moist and in contact with the wine. This helps prevent air from seeping into the bottle and spoiling the wine. If you have limited space, invest in wine racks or shelving designed for horizontal storage.
* Avoid Strong Odours: Keep wine away from strong-smelling substances, such as chemicals, paint, or food with potent aromas. Wine can absorb odours, affecting its flavour and aroma profile.
* Consistent Conditions: Aim for a stable environment with minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations. Sudden changes in these conditions can shock the wine and alter its taste.
* Long-Term vs Short-Term Storage: If you plan to consume the wi

Welcome to Series Two of our podcast!
After a brief break, we've been working on how to enhance your listening experience and provide even more value.
Introducing "For The Love of Wine" - a journey where we guide you through our approach to wine, from purchase to the recycling bin.
Our goal is to offer insight that helps you see wine through our eyes, enriching your knowledge and enjoyment.
The first episode is all about how to find the right wine because according to a recent study by Marks & Spencer, a quarter of wine shoppers spend more than ten minutes deliberating over which bottle to buy.
One-third feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, while more than half admit they don't know which wines they like! Bonkers.
The time we take deliberating over what to purchase collectively adds up to more than 50 million squandered hours in a supermarket wine section.
Time is Merlot ladies and gentlemen!
Alongside the pod, we thought it would be helpful to share our top tips on finding the perfect bottle here.
The groundwork:
* Identify your budget - be kind to yourself.
* Identify which style you’re after - think about the occasion.
* Identify your retailer:
* I’d suggest for budgets below £10, opt for supermarkets.
* Between £10 and £15, seek out specialist wine retailers or independents.
* From £15 to £50, explore independent merchants.
* For budgets exceeding £50, indulge in a specialist fine wine merchant or an auctioneer.
* For a comprehensive list of merchants, refer to the invaluable resource on Jancis Robinson’s website.
Before you hit the shops:
* Pull up your wine atlas, use online wine maps and take a look around the world for inspiration.
* Access ‘The List’ of my top five recommendations from each supermarket and beyond - update landing soon.
* Check out the Decanter’s wine review section.
* Like you do when you’re trying to find a recipe, type into Google: “If I like [insert something you like] what wine should I go for?”.
* Give your independent a call with your requirements - they will be glad to hear from you.
* Prepare early - the more you research the more likely you are to enjoy the experience.
When you’re at the shop:
* Generally try to avoid mass-produced big-label wines.
* Have a look for medals from the more respected awards. Here is a good article on what to look out for.
* Use apps such as Vivino and Cellar Tracker.
* Read the descriptors or label info (if there are any).
* Ask a member of staff!
* EXPERIMENT - don’t stick to the tried and tested.
Here is all the info about the episode:
Will’s wine of the week:
LFE 900 Single Vineyard, Chile
Luke’s thought of the week:
When you're at mile 20 of 26 you are only halfway there.
Paula Radcliffe

References:
Zinfandel - grape variety.
Carménère - grape variety.
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary - wine flavours and aromas.
Sweet wines - definition.
Vin de Constance - South African sweet wine.
Trinity Restaurant - Clapham, London.
Tokaji - sweet wine from Hungary.
Botrytis - the fungus removes water from the grapes helping to create sweet wines.
Furmint - grape variety.
Pernand-Vergelesses - wine region in Burgundy.
Santenay - wine region in Burgundy.
Catena/Catena Alta Malbec - from Waitrose.
Ribero del Duero - wine region in Spain.
Grand Rutherglen Muscat - sweet wine from Australia.
Maury - wine region in France.
Pedro Ximenez - sweet style of Sherry.
Sauternes - wine region in France.
As always please like, share and comment.
Stay Corked - Luke & Will


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeflunder.substack.com/subscribe